Golf Inc. is introducing a new competition for 2027: Course of the Year. This competition will recognize golf facilities that demonstrated exceptional improvement in operations, business performance and golfer experience during the 2025-2026 calendar year. The program honors measurable year-over-year progress, NOT a specific renovation, clubhouse development, amenity or capital project.

Award categories

Private Club of the Year: Private clubs demonstrating exceptional improvement in operations, member satisfaction, financial performance and the overall club experience.

Public Course of the Year: Daily-fee, municipal and resort golf courses demonstrating improvement in operations, financial performance, customer experience and community engagement.

Indoor Golf of the Year: Indoor golf facilities demonstrating business growth, strong operational performance, customer engagement and innovation in the indoor golf experience.

Eligibility

Eligible nominees include any currently operating private clubs, public golf courses and indoor golf facilities able to document their 2026 performance against 2025. Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of industry professionals based on operational improvements, financial results, golfer or member experience, innovation and the significance of progress relative to facility size, market and resources.

Judging

Judging will be blind. Include identifying information only on the contact page, which will be removed before judging. Remove facility names, logos and other identifying details from narratives, supporting materials and filenames.

Entry fee: None.

Submission deadline: December 18, 2026.

Send an email to Trevor.M@CrittendenResearch.com to receive an entry form.